Harden your systems with Lynis
More Customization Options
In addition to the command-line parameters, a configuration (profile) file also controls the test process. By default, Lynis orients its actions on the specifications from the default.prf
file supplied with the package. This file will probably be fine for most scenarios. You will typically only need to modify the file if you are using Lynis Enterprise. The structure and settings of the profile are explained in the comments it contains. You can tell Lynis to use your own profile from the myprofile.prf
file by passing in the parameter --profile myprofile.prf
.
You can add a number of tests to Lynis as plugins. A plugin is simply a normal shell script that begins with a couple of special comments containing details about its purpose. The script uses the functions provided by Lynis and resides in the plugins subdirectory. One example of a small plugin is the plugins/custom_plugin.template
file. For Lynis to integrate and use the plugin, you need to register it in the profile. To do so, add a line stating plugin=myplugin
for a plugin by the name of myplugin
.
Conclusions
Lynis helps administrators identify vulnerabilities and problematic configurations. The tool is only capable of discovering problems that it is familiar with, of course. In particular, any homegrown scripts or other self-programmed software will be ignored. Additionally, Lynis only provides tips; it is up to the administrator to interpret the test results. Lynis is thus only one building block in your overall security system.
Infos
- Lynis https://cisofy.com/lynis/
- Lynis Enterprise: https://cisofy.com/lynis-enterprise/
- Lynis download page: https://cisofy.com/download/lynis/
- Lynis documentation: https://cisofy.com/documentation/lynis/
« Previous 1 2 3
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you've found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
PipeWire 1.0 Officially Released
PipeWire was created to take the place of the oft-troubled PulseAudio and has finally reached the 1.0 status as a major update with plenty of improvements and the usual bug fixes.
-
Rocky Linux 9.3 Available for Download
The latest version of the RHEL alternative is now available and brings back cloud and container images for ppc64le along with plenty of new features and fixes.
-
Ubuntu Budgie Shifts How to Tackle Wayland
Ubuntu Budgie has yet to make the switch to Wayland but with a change in approaches, they're finally on track to making it happen.
-
TUXEDO's New Ultraportable Linux Workstation Released
The TUXEDO Pulse 14 blends portability with power, thanks to the AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS CPU.
-
AlmaLinux Will No Longer Be "Just Another RHEL Clone"
With the release of AlmaLinux 9.3, the distribution will be built entirely from upstream sources.
-
elementary OS 8 Has a Big Surprise in Store
When elementary OS 8 finally arrives, it will not only be based on Ubuntu 24.04 but it will also default to Wayland for better performance and security.
-
OpenELA Releases Enterprise Linux Source Code
With Red Hat restricting the source for RHEL, it was only a matter of time before those who depended on that source struck out on their own.
-
StripedFly Malware Hiding in Plain Sight as a Cryptocurrency Miner
A rather deceptive piece of malware has infected 1 million Windows and Linux hosts since 2017.
-
Experimental Wayland Support Planned for Linux Mint 21.3
As with most Linux distributions, the migration to Wayland is in full force. While some distributions have already made the move, Linux Mint has been a bit slower to do so.
-
Window Maker Live 0.96.0-0 Released
If you're a fan of the Window Maker window manager, there's a new official release of the Linux distribution that champions the old-school user interface.